A platform to bring together the talents of journalists to raise the profile of rainwater harvesting

This blog is dedicated to our Journalists for Rainwater Harvesting. They will report on examples of rainwater harvesting in their own countries and communities, helping us raise the profile of rainwater harvesting - both locally and globally.

Sunday, 19 August 2012

Zambia's rainwater harvesting potential high

By
Newton Sibanda
LUSAKA, Zambia- RAINWATER Harvesting
(RWH) has been a practiced since time in memorial. It has, however, been practiced at different levels- domestic
and agricultural use, which are referred to as the blue and green water use respectively.

However,
Zambia Rainwater Harvesting Association (ZRHA) Secretary General Bob Muzyamba
says the scale of utilization of RWH in Zambia’ leaves a lot to be desired’.

“Since
1998, Zambia has been involved in many meetings, workshops, collaborations and
protocols relating to RWH in the SADC (Souhern African Development Community)
region to respond to the effects of the drought hitting the region.

The
Ministry of Agriculture together with the Ministry of Local Government and
Housing as well as the Ministry of Energy and Water Development were engaged by the Zambia Rainwater
Harvesting Association to explore ways of enhancing the utilization of RWH as
an appropriate technology for the effective use of water as a resource,” said
Mr Muzyamba.
Zambia has been experience erratic rain fall partners for the past 10 years
which have affected the predictability
of the rain pattern and planning.

Mr
Muzyamba says the association has tried to align itself with Government policy
to ensure that the knowledge and skills reposed in it can be recognized and
utilized.

“There
is a huge potential of Rainwater Harvesting in Zambia in all regions or zones. The
potential is in flood control and drought control on one part, and water
conservation on the other part,” he said.
Mr Muzyamba is also acting president of the association after the demise of the
incumbent, Joyce Musiwa as per its constitution.